Reply #50: Well I also think our public schools are in need of a serious overhaul

[Taverner]

First, we need to equalize the funding base. No more of this "San Ramon kids get a better education than Oakland kids." Same money spent on each student, no matter.

Then, of course, we need to ask the teachers what they need. Not the administrators, not the parents, and not even the unions. Ask the teachers on a pencil and eraser level what they need to do their job. Then give it to them. Above all, stock the office supply cabinet.

Then, we need to make all schools bilignual. Seriously. If you come from a Spanish speaking country, then many of your classes are in Spanish (except ESL of course) and you come out of HS at the same level that you would if America was a Spanish speaking country. For lesser spoken languages, tutoring WILL be available. Oh, and if English is your language, then surprise! You're learning a second language.

Math needs to be ramped up, and our schools should take a Montesorri approach - start algebra in 2nd grade. SERIOUSLY! There is no brain function that will not allow a 2nd grader from understanding basic algebra.